I struggle with getting out of my routine. I love getting up in the morning, listening to a sermon, reading blogs, taking the dogs for a run or a walk, and then going off to do my work for the day. However, travel is so good at upsetting that routine which is a WONDERFUL thing for an eating disorder. Eating disorders love predictability, but God loves to train His children to trust Him. That’s whattravel has taught me.

The goal of my life isn’t just happiness, but you know what? Knowing the love of God, knowing God makes you so full of joy, no matter what. That’s why I titled this podcast, ‘a happy day in the life,’ because though I had ups and downs, moments when I got frustrated or sad, moments when I was REALLY optimistic or REALLY down, God is good, and to know His forgiveness and adoption daily is the most wondrous happy thing in the world.

I used to think that I was a ‘happy go-lucky girl’, but I don’t think I really knew what happiness was. My happiness really depended on whether or not the day was going well. I would be happy if I felt good, if I was relaxed, if my stomach didn’t hurt, if I didn’t have any ‘upsets’ to my plans, but I would go ‘ballistic’ if anything went out of whack.

That’s why it’s struck me more and more when the Bible says, ‘Give Thanks in Everything.’ Rejoice in the Lord always? What?!? ALways? Even when life is hard? Yep. Because God is the same. Jesus is the same. The Holy Spirit is constant in His comfort and assurance towards us, the children of God.

So . . . I have every reason to be happy. I have no reason to complain.

I’m not saying or trying to paint the picture that I never complain, but I do want to share that I am more joyful and content the more I realize that being happy doesn’t have to depend on my circumstances. It’s solely dependent on God, and He never changes.

And at the end of this I want to talk to you about what you do every day. I want to learn more about the people who listen to the podcast, your lives, the challenges you’re facing, possible prayer requests you might have, and any other happy things you want to share? 🙂

Disclaimer: Thank you to Grainful Oats for offering a giveaway for their bagged meals for this post. Also thank you to Purely Pinole for sending me their new snack cups and Grainful Oats for the Bagged meals you sent me to try! 🙂 I would never share products that I did not absolutely love.

I’ve been enjoying some really great snacks and meals lately. I’ve received a few fun packages with new products from my Pinole friends, and I’ve also been enjoying entrees that are made from…. OATS. I never thought it was possible until I tried it, but now I’m a big fan of the idea of savory oats. They make great meals especially when you pair them with the right ingredients.

In other words, I have a lot of different new snack and meal options to share with you, so why don’t we get started? 😀 I’m going to get total ‘foodie nerd’ on you right now. You also get to participate in trying out one of my newest finds if you scroll to the giveaway at the end of the post.

Perfect Bars: I’ve raved about these before, but simply put, they are just the best. I’m really not much of a bar person, but Perfect Bars are not like bars to me. They’re like a giant bar of chocolate/peanut butter/honey or almond butter/honey/chocolate or ____ (some other delicious combination of nut butter and honey and super foods.) They don’t taste chalky; they aren’t too chewy. The sweetness isn’t ‘too sweet’ for me. The are just #perfect for my tastebuds.

Cups of Noosa Yogurt with Cookies and Nut Butter. – These are just so satisfying. Creamy yogurt + Georgia Grinders Pecan Peanut Butter + a homemade cookie is just perfect for a really filling 1st breakfast or snack. 🙂

Improvised Banana Splits: I would like to do the next one with ice cream, but … this was my easy one. This also reminds me that I really want to try Kat’s new Banana Split muffins.

Creamy Cups of Purely Pinole: Purely Pinole now has these epic snack cups, which, if you load them with toppings (you can turn into a meal.) I loaded this one with banana, Whole Me Cinnamon Banana Clusters, and nut butter.

I savored every bite. It was perfect. Pinole is really creamy and warm, and it does have texture (but less texture than oatmeal.) Sometimes I just want to chew my food less, ya know?, so Pinole makes a great option.

Psalm 92:4-5, ‘For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.’

Now let’s talk about my new most favorite quick meals. . .

This would be Grainful Oats meals. I talked about their frozen entrees and how much I loved them in this post. Then I tried one of their bagged meals; the tomato risotto oats. They were delicious, creamy, full of texture, and the ingredients list is incredibly simple.

We don’t often buy boxed meals, but boxed mac n’ cheese will always have a special place in my heart. However, Grainful meals have also taken up a special place in my heart with their simplicity, ease, and taste. (And if it’s not too much to add: they make my stomach happy too.)

I could definitely see myself buying these especially for those days when cooking does not sound doable; and I’m tired. This meal came in handy especially on a day when I felt like a walking . . . sleeping person.

It cooked up in about 5-10 minutes, and we were eating, talking, laughing, and enjoying sweet fellowship in the Lord Jesus together instead of me trying to think up a meal out of my tired brain.

Readers… I have a guest post! It has been forever since I’ve shared from some of my other blogger friends, and Kat sent me this so I could share with you her take on ‘healthy living blogging’ and why ‘healthy’ is so different for each person. I love Kat; Kat first reached out to me via my blog; she would leave these really heartfelt, kind, sweet, thoughtful comments, and I was amazed when the Lord brought us together in more ways than one. She sent me the COOLEST sweat-shirt that says, ‘Peanut Butter Lover.’ It’s also bright pink, which I love. 🙂

But I don’t want to take up this space with my words; I want to share with you Kat’s gentle reminder that ‘Healthy Looks Good On You.’ (It doesn’t look like you’re starving or miserable or sad or malnourished. It looks and feels good!)

It seems like 90% of the blogging world is focused on health, nutrition, or exercise in some form. Cooks develop healthy recipes. Fashionistas analyze their workout clothes. Crafters make “timer” water bottles that encourage hydration. Everyone is focused on sporting the “perfect beach body,” running a 5k, and eating clean.

The Life of the Writer

I live in the beautiful state of Colorado where 14ers are to give you all the sore legs you need, amazing skiing, plenty of other runners, glorious sunsets, majestic elk herds, and peaceful country roads with clear air.

Go Back in Time!

Go Back in Time!

I am a very ordinary girl. I’m 21, but if you met me, you wouldn’t believe me. I am passionate about girls finding true beauty in Christ. I love peanut butter, icecream, and salad. My hobbies are cooking, baking, sharing laughs and tears with others, and sharing the fullness of joy that Christ has put in me. I love reading other blogs, and I hope that this will be a place where you can find encouragement, recipes, smiles, and joy. Click here to read more about me...